RESIDENTS and businesses in Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge are set to benefit from a £5.8 million investment in town centre improvements.
New paving, seating, planting and safer walking and cycling routes are among the improvements planned.
The funding, accepted by Tameside Council from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), will support five schemes aimed at making the two towns more attractive, accessible and better connected.
Work has already begun in Stalybridge, while further improvements in Ashton are expected to get under way later this year, following completion of the new market square.
The local authority says the investment will focus on public spaces, with the aim of making it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle. It will also create more welcoming places for shopping, community events and spending time in the town centres.
In Ashton, improvements are planned for Fletcher Square, Market Street, Market Avenue and Warrington Street. The work will include new paving, seating and planting, as well as upgrades to public spaces.
The schemes form part of wider regeneration plans for Ashton town centre, including the transformation of Ashton Market Square.
In Stalybridge, work is focused on Armentieres Square and Trinity Street. Plans include new paving, lighting, seating and planting, alongside improved pedestrian crossings and better connections between different parts of the town centre.
The improved spaces are also expected to provide better settings for community events and activities, while helping to attract more visitors and support local businesses.
The funding was approved in June 2025 and is ring-fenced for town centre and active travel improvements.
The council says the investment will help bring forward regeneration plans already underway, while supporting local jobs during delivery.
It is also linked to proposals around the Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).
Tameside Council says it is continuing to develop plans for other town centres, with the aim of being ready to bid for future GMCA funding when it becomes available.
Councillor Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, said: “It’s fantastic news that we have the opportunity to invest additional funding into our local town centres to support growth amongst our communities.
“In turn this will allow us to build on the momentum of major developments across Tameside and deliver even more benefits to residents and local businesses, whilst ensuring our town centres are attractive places to visit.”